Kym Kristofer, Peta Prestidge, Jodz Beatty, Jo Sainsbury, Kirsty Foster. All photos by Steve Krige Photography.
BY JANELLE BOSTOCK, PRECINCT COORDINATOR
We were delighted to see a sell-out crowd at the International Women’s Day Breakfast at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron on 8 March.
Our MC, Kym Kristofer, of Shawn & Kym Kristofer Real Estate and Chamber Treasurer, kept everyone on time and on task, which saw the morning run beautifully.
We were honoured to have with us three trailblazing women – Jodz Beatty (Bayside Bars and Eats), Kirsty Foster (founder of Social Mums Club) and Jo Sainsbury (Shift Supervisor BHP / Founder, Kickass Women). They embody the spirit of this year’s themes – #inspireinclusion and ‘invest in women; accelerate progress’. Their stories are not just narratives of personal success but beacons of community impact and empowerment.
Our morning was brightened with delightful mimosas, courtesy of Bec and Amanda from MYmosa, and their generosity added a ‘sparkling’ touch to our gathering. Our newest Chamber member, Fiona Becker from Boho by the Bayside, created the stunning table decorations.
Jodz Beatty talked about local empowerment through social media. Her initiative with Bayside Bars and Eats has significantly impacted local dining businesses by creating a community hub for food lovers.
Kirsty Foster talked about how she started the Social Mums Club, which has become a beacon of connection for many mothers and women and has been instrumental in providing a supportive community. She discussed plans to expand the platform’s reach and impact, providing opportunities for women, entrepreneurs within our community.
Jo Sainsbury, with her diverse experience in a traditionally male-dominated field, and founder of Kickass Women, has shown remarkable leadership. Jo shared how Kickass Women helps empower women to pursue careers, particularly in underrepresented sectors, and the strategies she employs to encourage investment in women to accelerate their progress.
In her closing address, Peta Prestidge, Chamber President, asked the audience to action three tasks:
- Connect and Collaborate: Exchange contact information with at least three people you haven’t met before and follow up.
- Promote and Advocate: Choose a business or a cause you learned about today that resonates with you, and commit to promoting it within your networks.
- Reflect and Act: Identify one action you can take this month to advance your business or support another in their business journey.
Peta said that by embracing these tasks, you can actively contribute to a culture of support and progress within our community. The message was: Let’s not just leave inspired today; let’s leave ready to take concrete accelerated steps towards our collective success. Here’s to inspiring inclusion and investing in women!
